Last weekend, Rob and I went in search of a compost bin. Yes, we live in an area with 5 acres, but we rent it…it’s not our property. We didn’t want to build something or dig up land that wasn’t ours.

I didn’t do much research as to pricing or what I wanted out of a compost bin, all I knew is that I wanted one and I’d weigh the pros and cons once we got to the store. Well, the hardware/garden supply store didn’t really have any compost bins that I wanted to shell out $100 for. It’s a reoccurring theme for me…I’m cheap. I don’t want to pay money for something that I (or Rob) can make for a fraction of the price. Maybe I’m more cautious with my money than cheap. Either way, I wasn’t going to spend $100 on a bin for scraps.

I did a few general google searches and found a tutorial for a homemade compost bin. It was so easy, and only $18 to make.

Here’s what you need

Buy a large plastic garbage can

½” drill bit and drill

A few bungee cords

Bricks/wood blocks/a pallet

As Meiko and I supervised, Rob drilled 4 vertical sets of 6 evenly spaced holes around the can.He then drilled 6 holes around the bottom of the can. Then he drilled 6 holes on the top. The holes allow for rain water and oxygen to flow through the pile in the can.

Drilling

We then took the bin out to the horse pasture and set it on top of a few bricks and bungeed the can to the pole. Once a week/week and a half I’ll roll the bin around the yard, or take a shovel and move the “goodies” inside around. I’m also considering getting some worms for the compost once I have more “goodies” inside the can.

About this time last year I was looking for a yoga bag to use while biking to yoga. I wanted the bag to carry my mat, a small towel, keys, wallet, and a water bottle without being too bulky. I searched online, searched sporting good stores, etc. Nothing would work for my standards, or my budget. So, I did what I should have done from the beginning of my search….I made one from some fabric I had intended on making dresses from.

Yoga Bag

The pink pocket can house a towel, water bottle while the green pocket is has a zipper for small items like keys and wallet. I have since made a few bags for fiends, each time, tweaking the pattern. Now that I’m all out of fabric, I’ve finally got the hang of making them “not so home-made”. I’m thinking a trip to the craft store will be in order if I’m going to make more. PennyRoulette sewing shop is now taking orders!

On Sunday I ran my first mile since June 23rd. Why do I remember that day? Oh, it’s because I ran a half marathon along the lakeshore path in Milwaukee with my friend, Maria. The few weeks after the 1/2 the temperatures were in the high 90’s…and that’s too hot for me to exercise outside. Then, we moved across the country, and onto a busy road saying goodbye to all the fantastic running paths and sidewalks. Ah, Madison I miss you.

I waited to join a gym until I weighed my options and figured out my desired workout schedule. I still wanted to go to yoga 4-5 times a week and Crossfit 1-2 times a week. Now I’ll go to our local Planet Fitness for $10 a month (so cheap!) and log in a few miles each week to round out my fitness plan.

Thought about this meme today…while on the treadmill. The few miles I ran weren’t actually the problem, my legs worked just fine; the problem was how long it felt to complete those miles. Mind you, it would’ve taken the same time if i were outside. Running outside is much preferred, change in scenery, movement forward, and there’s no time clock blinking in front of your eyes. But when it’s dark before and after work with no sidewalks, I refuse to run outside on our busy roads. My next trip to the treadmill I will bring something to block the electronic clock.

I’ve said this a few times this weekend, but Meiko-our favorite little furbaby, has the personality to fill a Great Dane. Here are some silly little photos of the expressive Boston Terrier we love so much.

Hey

Bone Tongue

Sun Bath

Oh, Hey.

Meiko get’s the royal treatment when it comes to nail trims. She knows what the clippers look like and will run around the house trying to hide from me when she sees them. So, now I have to trick her into coming into my loving arms, go get the clippers, and basically hog tie her down with my legs while she squirms and tries to remove herself from the situation. I’ve never once clipped her nail too far down to hit the “quick” but she still doesn’t trust me, even after 5 years of weekly nail trims.

pampering

Yesterday morning she came out from under the covers to make sure I was still in the room getting ready, made her quick appearance, and then tucked herself back into the cozy flannel sheets.

Morning Meiko

Thankfully she’s nice and small, I think I’d have a hard time fitting a Great Dane on my lap…but, I bet it could happen.

If you wouldn’t want to be outside in this weather, then your pet certainly doesn’t want to be outside either.

Last night, it was 3 degrees out. Warmer than many places in the country but still VERY cold. I cuddled up on the couch with my little Meiko next to our pellet stove and stayed nice and cozy.

Pellet Stove Warmth

When it was time to go to bed, our neighbors dog was outside and barking. About 15 minutes later it was still outside whimpering and barking. In my opinion, that is way too long for most mammals to be outside in that temperature. At that point I was really concerned for the dogs safety. I quickly bundled up and made my way over to my neighbors house, knocked loudly while trying to pet the dog to warm her up. Our neighbor was just standing in her kitchen fully knowing her dog was outside in the freezing cold, barking. She apologized thinking I was over there thinking the barking woke me up. I told her I didn’t care about the barking I was only concerned for the dogs safety due to the frigid weather. She let her dog in and I tromped back to our house.

Please, please, PLEASE let your dog outside to do its business and let it right back in….otherwise I might come over and throw you outside.

Last year, as I’ve mentioned several times, I began a regular yoga practice. I had dabbled a few times with yoga in 2011 and 2010, but never really found a place for it in my life on a regular basis.

I’m proud to report that I attended 184 yoga classes in 2012. (yes, I kept track–and you should too!) If my calculations add up correctly, that’s a tiny bit more than half of the days in the year. So ultimately, I went to a studio, learned about the yoga practice and of myself, every other day last year. How cool is that? I’m not sure I’ve done anything that regularly, ever(!)…except go to work/school, but that’s not as cool as going to yoga half of the year. :)

The Mat by Luluelemon This mat is amazing. Since most of my yoga practices are in a heated studio, sweat is abundant. The Mat soaks up the sweat leaving me stable during my practice without feeling like I’m on a slip and slide. Some people opt for a towel over their expensive mats, but, I think it’s better to just buy “The Mat” and only carry one item around.

Prism Pants by Prana As soon as these pants come out of the dryer, they are on. They have a nice rise to the waist band, and the crop sits nicely below my calves.

Cool Racerback tank by Lululemon I have this tank in several different colors. I’m able to move freely without the tank rising up or down, depending on the position I’m in. The luon fabric is also really nice as it wicks away moisture.

Water bottle by Camelbak Gotta stay hydrated! My water consumption increased significantly once I purchased these water bottles.

Headband by Bondi Band Keeps the sweat and hair out of my eyes—I know I don’t look fantastic wearing one of these with my short hair, but it’s yoga, we are (or at least should be) in a judgment free zone.